Afcons Infrastructure has announced that the main superstructure connecting Male' and Villimale' as part of the Thilamale' Bridge project will be completed today.
According to a report by Sun Online, citing an official from Afcons, the main structure of the bridge segment between the capital and Villimale' will be fully joined today. The news outlet further reported that a special ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 am tomorrow to mark the milestone.
While the main framework between Male' and Villimale' will be finished today, Afcons noted that the bridge will only be opened to the public once finishing works, such as the installation of railings and lighting on both sides, are completed.
The agreement to construct the Thilamale' Bridge was signed between the MDP administration and India’s Afcons Infrastructure on September 16, 2021. The project was initially slated for completion by May 17, 2024. However, the deadline was later revised, with a new agreement set for completion by September 30, 2026.
Following the signing, underwater geotechnical surveys and borehole drilling were conducted throughout 2022. Additionally, a dedicated site for fabricating bridge segments was established in Gulhifalhu.
Work on the superstructure and precast segments progressed rapidly at the Gulhifalhu site. The installation of marine pillars for the Thilamale' Bridge commenced on August 18, 2023. Prior to this, work had already begun on the Villimale' side and the Male' land-end. Furthermore, the piling and capping of four land-based pillars began in February 2023 during the MDP administration.
Despite this, President Mohamed Muizzu has attempted to distort the facts by claiming that the practical work on the Thilamale' Bridge only began under his administration.
However, official records, government statements, and media reports confirm that physical construction was well underway by the time the current administration took office.
